Theta Chi fraternity will be sponsoring a talent show Sunday and a ski trip Feb. 15 as part of a philanthropy to help children suffering from cancer.

Theta Chi Vice President Wynn Ullman said the philanthropy “is the third largest money producing philanthropy of all fraternities in the nation.”

Theta Chi President Scott Werner said the first fundraiser is “a pure talent contest” featuring women from NIU sororities. The event will be held Sunday at The Jungle, 1027 W. Hillcrest.

Tickets will be sold at the door for $2, and there will also be a raffle later that night. The event is non-alcoholic and open to the public.

The fraternity is also sponsoring “Ski for Cancer,” a ski trip to Alpine Valley on Feb. 15. The cost for the trip is $14.25 per person, which includes lift ticket and transportation. Buses will leave from the Campus Cinema at 3:45 p.m.

Werner said $7.25 of the total cost will be given to the fund.

The philanthropy was started about 20 years ago by the Theta Chi chapter at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Ullman said. Overall, the fraternity chapters which are involved in the philanthropy have raised $172,000 for the Midwestern Athletes against Childhood Cancer (MACC) fund, he said.

“Thirty percent of the (center’s) budget comes from donations,” he said.

Ullman said members of the fraternity visited the MACC center and learned about cancer research. “They’re saving kids now that couldn’t be saved before,” he said.